Workforce: Winning with People

Franklin County is proud to serve as the social safety net for our residents; yet we know that the best social service program is a good-paying job. When we invest in workforce programs, we are really investing in people. And every Buckeye fan knows the classic Woody Hayes quote, “You win with people.”

As your County Commissioner, I have championed and led the effort to invest in people so that all members of our community have an opportunity to thrive.  My team and I work every day to make an impact and support people to become self-sufficient.   With your help, we are supporting families and building communities. 

A prime example of my commitment is Franklin County’s People Works program, which partners with local employers to train and employ low-income residents in sustainable, living-wage jobs.  Through our collaboration with reputable employers, we are creating stronger communities and winning with people.

Since its inception in 2015, People Works employers have hired nearly 200 residents into high-quality jobs with livable wages upwards of $25 per hour.  Why does this matter?  For the workers, for their kids, for their families, these are transformative opportunities.  These investments change lives. 

That’s why I am proud of the county’s recent grant agreement with Fortuity Calling, a social enterprise organization launching a customer service center in Franklinton.  Our $500,000 investment is exactly what we envisioned when our team developed this program. 

Fortuity is working to create 500 jobs for neighborhood residents, along with the supports they need so they can advance and keep a good job.  We expect up to 75% of these new workers to be single moms who will benefit from regular skills training, steady promotions, frequent promotional opportunities, and quality on-site childcare. 

I continue to drive Franklin County toward innovative approaches that better the lives of our residents and our region.  Our investments are changing lives all across Franklin County, from Whitehall to Franklinton, from Groveport to Dublin, and everywhere in between.  This is an exciting time in Central Ohio, and every resident of Franklin County deserves equal opportunity to thrive, raise a family, and live their best life.  And when they win, we all win.